The Royal Apollonia (issue 4, 2018) The Royal Apollonia (issue 4, 2018) | Page 46

DEFIN ITE LY CYPRIOT
Belief in family
Cyprus has enriched traditions and
believes in the unity and power of fam-
ily. For them, families are the heartbeat
of its societies. They become the strength
of each other in good and bad times.
Here, families are quite large as you may
say consists of twenty and thirty people
on an average. It includes uncles, aunts,
cousins, their children etc. They don’t
have the concept of extended family.
They have regular get-togethers, at each
other’s home. One of the most interest-
ing points is that they remain close to
each other either in their relationships or
physically. They are always ready to sup-
port and assist each other. Although if
you have a small or nuclear family then
family gatherings of Cyprus might seem
a little bit frightening to you.
Food and traditions
Food always plays an important role
in the tradition of a city; similarly, food
is important in the culture of Cyprus.
Every traditional event marks its im-
pression on the living style and food of
a country. Souvla is a wonderful event
which is in actual a barbecue of Cyp-
riot style. It is a perfect family gather-
ing where large chunks of pig meat are
cooked slowly on a rotational spin. It is
mostly conducted on Sundays and holi-
days as on those days all family members
can enjoy it together.
Easter is also one such special occasion
when various types of traditional foods
are being prepared. A distinct variety of
bread is made in Cyprus during the festi-
val of Easter which is called flaouna. It
is basically meant to break fasting during
One more festival which is related to food and is
celebrated by Cypriots is called Green Monday. It is in
actual a movable banquet which is conducted at the
initiation of the seventh week just before the Easter
Sunday. The celebration is marked by family coming
together and relishing on great fasting foods like fish,
vegetables, dips, bread and salads. Also on this occasion,
a particular variety of bread known as Lagana is made.
the season. These pastries are made up
with cheese, raisins, and seeds of sesame.
They are made on the day of Good Fri-
day and enjoyed on Easter. Christmas
is also enjoyed by preparing a special
delicacy which is cake named Vasilopita.
There is one interesting fact related to
this cake. While preparing this cake a
coin is kept in the batter and after that
cake is baked. It is said that the person
that gets this coin while eating it, will
be lucky as this coin brings good fortune.
Apart from these wonderful dishes
there also some of the traditional dishes
that are made on different occasions
round the year. Some of the dishes are
Halloumi, Mousaka, Ouzo and Koupepia
which in prepared by wrapping rice and
meat in leaves of vine.
Weddings — ​a fun event
Greek weddings have always been
wonderful and grandiose events; it is a
long traditional function which takes
place over a number of days. Weddings
are huge; just think that if 1000 guests
are invited to a wedding it is considered
small. The function of wedding starts
right from the morning however actual
function takes place at around 4 pm in
the evening. Best man prepares the groom
while the maid of honor helps the bride
in getting ready. A piece of red cloth
The Intriguing World
THAT IS CYPRUS
Cyprus is an interesting place that has been surrounded with many mystical and
historical facts. With its association with many religious beliefs, Cyprus is quite a captivating
place. It is a beautiful island which has its varied flora and fauna. This coastal city has been blessed
with magnificent natural beauty. It has a varied culture and traditions where many historical and
religious events have impacted its tradition.
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T H E R O YA L A P O L L O N I A M A G A Z IN E • 2018 edition
T H E R O YA L A P O L L O N I A M A G A Z IN E • 2018 edition
is tied around the midriff of groom and
bride many times as it represents fertility.
During the function of wedding groom
and bride wears a special kind of head-
bands known as Stefana which is carried
by Koumaros and Koumbara. The wed-
dings rings which have to be worn by
bride and groom are exchanged 3 times.
The function of the wedding is trailed by
a lavish reception.
Hospitality
The hospitality is in the tradition
of Cypriots. Every visitor in Cyprus is
wished well or welcome, with the greeting
“Kalos Orisate” which